News

Christian rapper MC Tempo cuts ties with Church over Archbishop appointment

Published

5 months ago

July 31, 2025

CHRISTIAN rap artist MC Tempo has announced he will no longer perform at Church of England events following the appointment of Cherry Vann as Archbishop of Wales.

MC Tempo, a world record-holding freestyle rapper known for his outspoken faith, said he could not support the Church’s direction under its current leadership.

Speaking this week, he told reporters: “I love Jesus, but the Church of England is cooked. It has become like the church of Laodicea. They are morally bankrupt and have theologically bowed the knee to culture instead of Christ. There is a huge difference between those who know Jesus and those who know about Jesus — unfortunately, the CofE has shown itself to be the latter. I want nothing to do with it.”

The rapper, who has performed and preached in Church of England parishes across the UK, said his decision marks a complete break with the denomination. While he did not give detailed reasons relating to Archbishop Vann personally, his comments reflect wider concerns about what he sees as the Church’s departure from traditional biblical teaching.

Vann’s election is historic — she is the UK’s first female archbishop and the first openly gay person to hold such a role. Supporters say her appointment reflects progress and inclusivity within the Church, while critics such as MC Tempo see it as evidence of a theological shift away from traditional doctrine.

His announcement has already sparked debate within Christian communities, with some praising his stand and others accusing him of intolerance.

MC Tempo, whose real name is Mark Edwards, is based in Brighton and once held the world record for the longest freestyle rap at 24 hours. He uses music to share his Christian faith and has performed internationally across a wide range of cultural and denominational settings.

Editor’s note: The Church in Wales, of which Cherry Vann is now Archbishop, is a separate organisation from the Church of England. It was disestablished in 1920 but remains part of the worldwide Anglican Communion. MC Tempo’s comments refer to what he sees as a wider shift within Anglicanism, rather than to the Church in Wales alone.

Crime

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

Published

7 minutes ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of serious allegations following his appearance in the latest magistrates’ court register.

David Guy, 49, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared in court facing multiple charges, all of which have now been deemed too serious for summary trial.

Multiple charges listed in register

The new magistrates’ register shows Guy charged with several offences arising from the same case file. Although individual charge descriptions were not expanded in open court, the register confirms the allegations include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
A second assault charge
Criminal damage
A further interpersonal violence allegation
A public order offence

All entries relate to the same incident and prosecution reference, presented as a multi-count case.

Defendant remanded into custody

Magistrates ruled that their sentencing powers were insufficient and sent the entire case to Swansea Crown Court for trial.

Guy was remanded in custody, with the register stating: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”

A hearing date will now be fixed administratively by the Crown Court. Until then, Guy remains remanded.

The Herald will provide updates once the Crown Court listing is confirmed.

Crime

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

Published

13 minutes ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing

A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string of alleged offences including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.

Anthony Alcock, 40, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, faces six linked charges arising from incidents reported to have taken place earlier this year. Alcock, who did not enter pleas during the administrative hearings, appeared on several occasions as the court dealt with bail issues and case management.

Multiple assault allegations
The charges listed before magistrates include:
Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
Intentional strangulation
Common assault of a woman
Criminal damage relating to a domestic incident
Further assault allegations linked to the same complainant
A breach of bail conditions

The court heard that Alcock had previously been granted conditional bail. However, he was brought back before magistrates twice during the same reporting period for alleged breaches of those conditions, resulting in updated bail decisions.

Bail breached — defendant remanded

On two separate entries in the court register, Alcock was listed as having breached his bail, leading magistrates to remand him into custody pending the next hearing. On other dates within the same week, he was again re-released on conditional bail, with strict terms imposed, including restrictions on contact with the complainant and exclusions from certain locations.

He is now remanded on conditional bail with his next appearance set for Swansea Crown Court, where the more serious matters — including the alleged non-fatal strangulation — will be dealt with.

Case sent to Crown Court

Magistrates directed that the case is too serious to be heard locally and must proceed to the Crown Court for trial or sentence.

The Herald understands that all listed charges fall under the same prosecution reference, indicating they form part of a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution. No further details were opened in court at this stage.

Crime

Rogue roofer conned homeowner out of thousands

Published

29 minutes ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Caerphilly investigation leads to court conviction

A ROGUE trader from Pembroke has been ordered to pay more than £6,000 after duping a homeowner into handing over thousands for unnecessary roofing work.

Douggie Whitbread, aged twenty-five and living at Coldwell Terrace, Pembroke, persuaded his victim that he “probably needed a new roof” before charging £4,350 for work that was either unnecessary or not carried out properly.

Whitbread admitted two counts of fraud relating to a property on Griffiths Street, Ystrad Mynach, with the offences taking place between August 12 and October 16, 2023.

He appeared before Cwmbran Magistrates’ Court, where he was ordered to pay a total of £6,130. That includes £4,350 in compensation, £1,500 in prosecution costs, a £200 fine, and an £80 victim surcharge.

The case was brought following an investigation by Caerphilly Trading Standards, who urged residents to be cautious of unsolicited offers of home maintenance work.